How often do you intend to go somewhere or do
something, but never seem to get around to it?
It is a bigger problem then just not getting something done. Governor Felix demonstrates just what can
happen. Felix was the Roman procurator
of Judea from 52-58 B.C., though he lived in Caesarea for 6 years, for all
practical purposes, he lived in the Land of Later.
Felix steps out of Roman history into the New
Testament when he was asked to rule regarding accusations being made against Paul
by the Jewish leaders. (For the full
story read Acts 21:17-24:27.)
The Jewish leaders had created quite a scene accusing
Paul of defiling the Temple. The result was a near lynching. The Romans fearing
a riot, grabbed Paul. They thought he
was the Egyptian revolutionist on their “Most Wanted” list. When they found out who he was, they let him
address the mob. He tried to share his
testimony with them, and the crowd listened for a while until he started talking
about taking this wonderful truth to those who were not Jewish. Then everything exploded again. The Romans
had to take him into protective custody.
A few days later a murder plot was discovered, so under escort of 270
soldiers, Paul was sent in the middle of the night to Felix in Caesarea.
Felix listened to the Jewish leaders accusations. (Acts 24:1-9) He also listened to Paul’s defense. (Acts 24:10-20) This really wasn’t new information. He had
been governor during the time when Christianity was growing in popularity and
spreading throughout the Roman Empire.
He knew about “The Way” – the title given to Christianity at that time
by believers. He understood “The Way” to
be a “religion” of love and peace. He knew believers were not focused on
political overthrow or intentionally stirring up problems. He listened, but then retreated to his Land
of Later. He put off the trial and put off the trial and put off the trial for two
years! During that time he often sent for Paul.
(Acts 24:24-26)
Felix knew enough about “The Way” to know it was the
truth and that accepting it required a dynamic change in his lifestyle and
thinking. He feared the cost that would result from believing what Paul said about Jesus.
- 2 years of questions and answers.
- 2 years of learning about Jesus.
- 2 years of putting off the commitment.
- 2 years of playing spiritual games.
Putting it off day after day got easier and
easier. The conviction wasn’t nearly as
powerful as it was the first time. That
is one of the big problems of someday and later: obedience delayed hardens. (Hebrews 3:12-13) If you don’t get around to
sealing the bag of bread, it gets crusty. If you don’t get around to putting
the lid back on the Playdo, it
turns into a sculpture of a blob. If you don’t get around to doing what God
convicts you to do, your heart gets harder. The harder it (your heart) gets,
the harder it gets.
After two years suddenly Felix was transferred. He never got around to it. That is another big problem of someday and
later: opportunity delayed is an
opportunity lost. An opportunity is a
God moment – a time He provides for you to make a difference in your life or in
the life of others. (Galatians 6:10) The
hardest moments to grab are those that require effort on our part. Like Felix, we fear of the cost of acting on
our convictions. And like Felix, we miss
the blessing God has for our lives.
You can’t be just a hearer. You must be a doer. (James 1:22-25) Putting it off only makes it
harder. The encouragement, support and
resolve will never be as strong. The
blessing God offers will never be as great.
Someday may never arrive. Later is always later. History records the summary of Felix’s life as
one of cruelty and licentiousness, not truth and grace, which could have been
his if he would have responded in the now.
Making It
Personal
How often do you intend to do something, but never
seem to get around to it?
Is the cost of procrastinating greater than the cost
you are avoiding?
When Felix was recalled back to Rome, he left Paul in
prison (Acts 24:27). Who pays the cost
of your living in the Land of Later?
Is later better than never?
- Read the parable Jesus told in Matthew 21:28-31. How would you answer Jesus’ question: Which of the two did the will of the father?
- Read the response of the Israelites when they realized that they would be wandering in the wilderness for 40 years and would never enter the Promised Land because they refusing to take God at His promise and believed the discouraging spies. (Deuteronomy 1:23-46 - see also Numbers 14:39-45) What happened when they decided to do it later (the next morning)?
What do you believe God is asking you to do that you
have been putting off to someday or later?
Why not today?
